Compass Health Center Welcomes New Executive Director in Silver Spring: Karina Campbell

Compass Health Center – Silver Spring is excited to introduce Karina Campbell as our new Executive Director. With a deep passion for mental health and wellness and a commitment to delivering high-quality care, Karina brings a wealth of leadership experience to our Silver Spring location. 

Karina is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in the behavioral health field, having worked across a wide range of settings including residential programs, the court system, and both Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) programs. Her approach to leadership is grounded in a belief that mental health care should be innovative, accessible, and centered on the unique needs of each individual. 

What drew Karina to Compass Health Center was our shared commitment to meeting patients where they are, through thoughtfully designed specialty programs, virtual treatment options, and developmentally tailored care across the lifespan. Her vision aligns with our mission to deliver timely, evidence-based, and compassionate mental health care that truly makes a difference in people’s lives. 

In this Q&A, we’ll explore Karina’s background, her vision for Compass Health Center, and how she plans to enhance our programs to meet the evolving needs of our community. Through this interview, you’ll get to know Karina’s leadership philosophy, her thoughts on the current mental health landscape, and what excites her most about joining the Compass team. 

In Conversation with Karina Campbell, Executive Director, Compass Health Center – Silver Spring 

Can you share a bit about your professional background and what led you to Compass Health Center?

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years in the behavioral health field. I have worked across a wide range of settings, including residential programs, the court system, traditional outpatient programs and Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) programs.  

What drew me to this company was the way in which Compass is and continues to be an innovator in the behavioral health space. There are many specific examples of this I can provide, such as the specialty programming, virtual options, and wide age range served, but overall, I appreciate the way in which Compass has designed its programs to support the unique needs of the patients we serve. The thoughtful approach to care, combined with a forward-thinking perspective truly resonates with my values and goals in this field.  

What inspired you to pursue leadership in mental health care? 

I was drawn to leadership with the goal of making a tangible difference in the mental health field. My leadership is grounded in a passion for helping individuals achieve mental health stability and wellness, and stepping into leadership felt like the right path to influence and improve treatment approaches in a broader, more meaningful way. For me, it’s about creating systems that truly support people – not just managing care but actively improving how we deliver it.  

What excites you most about joining Compass Health Center – Silver Spring?  

What excites me most about joining Compass is the opportunity to serve the unique and diverse needs of this vibrant community. Silver Spring and the greater DC area are home to people from all walks of life, and with that comes a wide range of mental health needs that deserve rapid, compassionate, high-quality, and evidence-based care. I’m inspired by Compass’s commitment to these ideals and look forward to providing innovative, accessible treatment. Mental Health Care is more essential than ever, and I am excited to join a team committed to supporting the well-being of this community and expanding access to life-changing care. 

What are your top priorities as you step into this role?  

My top priorities include increasing access to mental health services for those who need them most, while ensuring care remains compassionate, personalized, and of the highest quality. I’m focused on building strong connections within the community with local providers to create a more seamless and supportive experience for patients. Supporting and empowering our clinical team is also key, as their work directly impacts the lives of our patients. I believe that when we invest in both people and process, we create a foundation for meaningful, lasting outcomes. 

What do you see as the most pressing mental health challenges in the Silver Spring area?  

One of the most pressing mental health challenges in the Silver Spring area is ensuring access to care, particularly for individuals with complex or specialized needs. There is a growing demand for targeted programming that addresses conditions like OCD, trauma, and substance use. Expanding access to specialized, robust care in a way that is inclusive is essential to meeting the community’s needs. 

What does mental health advocacy mean to you?  

To me, advocacy means championing the well-being of individuals by dismantling stigma, expanding access to care, and driving meaningful change in the mental health field. My advocacy in this space involves encouraging open conversation and advocating for policies that ensure that everyone has the needed resources and support to thrive, whether that is our patients or clinicians. 

How do you stay grounded and prioritize self-care as a leader in this field?  

Connection is really important to me, and spending time with my family and friends helps me recharge. When I can, I also enjoy spending time in my hometown of Jamaica, which brings me a lot of peace and well-being.  

How can the Silver Spring community and our professional partners support Compass’s mission under your leadership?  

Community and professional partners can continue to support Compass’ mission by working with us to consistently identify and address the evolving needs of the community. Feedback on our patient care, communication, and events is always welcome to help us grow. Your collaboration helps ensure we remain responsive, effective, and aligned with the goals of those we serve, fostering a stronger and more resilient community together.  

What’s Ahead for Compass Health Center – Silver Spring

Karina’s thoughtful leadership and deep commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care will help guide our Silver Spring location into its next chapter of growth and innovation. Her focus on expanding access, empowering clinicians, and strengthening community partnerships will play a key role in ensuring we continue to meet the mental health needs of adolescents, young adults, and adults in the region. 

We’re honored to welcome Karina to the Compass Health Center team and excited for all that lies ahead under her leadership. 

To learn more about Compass Health Center – Silver Spring or connect with our care team, click here or reach out directly to discuss how we can support you or your loved ones.